Winter storm hits Town of Oyster Bay

A winter storm warning is in effect for all of Long Island through Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. An area of low pressure over the Atlantic Ocean swept into the region as a nor'easter Wednesday afternoon, bringing with it heavy snow after 5 p.m. and heavy winds. Blizzard-like conditions were possible, according the service.

Nassau County is predicted to receive a foot or more of snow, with less on the South Shore and more on the North. Dangerous conditions on the water are predicted and flooding is possible in low-lying areas. 

On Monday, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced in a news release that the town was prepared for Wednesday’s snowstorm. “Our plows are fueled, trucks loaded with salt and sand, pumps ready for potential flooding and chainsaws/wood chippers positioned to combat downed tree limbs,” Saladino said. “Thank you to our Town of Oyster Bay workforce for their dedication to the job.”

Due to the impending storm and snow forecast, sanitation and recycling for Town of Oyster Bay-serviced areas will be delayed by one day, with Thursday pickups taking place on Friday and Friday pickups taking place on Saturday.

With snow and frigid temperatures impacting the region, Saladino also announced that the following warming centers would be open on Thursday:

• Marjorie Post Park Ice Rink (Skate House) – Unqua & Merrick roads, Massapequa
• Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center – 1001 Stewart Avenue – Bethpage

Both facilities will be open from 6 to midnight on Thursday.

Individuals without shelter are urged to contact the Department of Social Services, which has activated its Winter Sheltering Program – known as WARMBED – at (516) 227-8519 (during daytime hours). Between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. residents should dial the WARMBED Hotline at 1-866-927-6233.

If residents are out of home heating fuel or in need of an emergency burner repair, they should call the Department of Social Services Home Energy Assistance Program at (516) 227-7605 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. to find out if they qualify for the HEAP program.